engagement rings -
Precious Metals

The choice of precious metal in fine jewellery is Sterling silver, gold or platinum. Within those types there are variations to consider which affect the colour and purity of the metal:

• Silver: The silver used by us is what is described as 'Sterling silver'. This is 92.8% pure silver alloyed with copper to increase its hardness.
• Gold: This is alloyed with other metals such as copper, zinc and silver produce either 9ct or 18ct gold 9ct being slightly harder. This is done to improve its manufacturing properties - silver hardens and whitens the gold, copper hardens and reddens especially if used with silver too. Zinc lowers the melting point and whitens, while palladium is the primary whitener for white gold. White gold can be rhodium plated to create an even brighter white colour.
• Platinum: This is the most hardwearing and whitest of the metals, however platinum is also by far the most expensive. The range of possibilities of platinum uniquely allow us large scope for production of fine designs impossible to make with gold and other precious metals.
• Palladium: A legally hallmarkable precious metal in the UK as of July 2009 and a better priced and lighter alternative to platinum.

Many of our ring designs combine precious metals or different alloys of the same metal to produce different colours in the metal-work. This is really something to consider as part of your engagement ring design/

At Harriet Kelsall Jewellery Design we do not work in titanium. This is because titanium is not a precious metal and requires an industrial type process to metal and form into ring. The cost of buying a titanium ring is really all in its manufacture as titanium itself has little value.

Your designer will discuss the pros and cons of each metal during your design consultation so don't worry if you are confused with the choices at this stage. If you would like to arrange a consultation or have any other questions, please contact us.

Related blog articles

• Harriet's blog article: UK Hallmarking.
• Harriet's blog article: Carat vs Karat.
• Tracy's blog on palladium.
• Sophies's blog on new palladium designs.
• Harriet's blog on How to choose a white metal for your engagement ring.
• Read Harriet's blog article on metal allergies.
• Harriet's blog article: Buying Precious Metal.
• Angela's blog on Palladium hallmarking now available.
• Angela's 2nd blog on Palladium hallmarking now available.